New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Remarks on Resolution Commending Marching Cobras Following Super Bowl Appearance

ALBANY, NY -- On Tuesday March 18, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/I/WF – 35th District) sponsored a resolution adopted by the Senate honoring the accomplishments of the Marching COBRAS of New York. Thirteen members of the band – mostly from the Yonkers School District or St. Christopher’s School in Dobbs Ferry – and three coaches travelled to Albany to be recognized as the Senate passed the resolution.

The COBRAS are a 50-member marching band that includes a drum line, flag line and dance squad. Founded by Band Director Terrel Stowers five years ago, the COBRAS are a nonprofit organization working in conjunction with St. Christopher’s School in Dobbs Ferry. The band helps at-risk middle and high schoolers from Westchester and New York City gain appreciation for music and dance. Many of the participants had never played an instrument before joining the band.
The Marching COBRAS have performed throughout Westchester and the tri-state area and were recently selected to perform during the pregame show of Super Bowl XLVIII. The band also lead the Lombardi Trophy down Super Bowl Boulevard on Broadway in New York City during the opening ceremony on January 29th.

“I was so proud to celebrate the Marching Cobras. They not only bring pride to their communities and families, but to all of New York,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “Their selection to perform during at Super Bowl XLVIII is a testament to their commitment, their love for music and dance and genuine talent. The COBRAS exemplify what young people can accomplish with a lot of dedication and hard work, and it was important for the Senate, as a body, to pause and recognize them for their achievements.”

COBRA stands for commitment, obedience, believe, respect and achievement. When participants enroll in the program, they and their parents must sign and agree to a very specific set of the rules and regulations which govern their actions, behavior and expectations while in the band. They practice for four hours a day, five days a week in the gym of St. Christopher’s School in Dobbs Ferry. Some participants travel hours to get to rehearsal.

Through their hard work, the Marching COBRAS have earned numerous awards and recognitions. They were named 1st Place Grand Champions of the 2013 New York City State Championships. They also took 1st place in both the New York State Salute to Israel Parade and “Cakeman” Parade in Brooklyn and were awarded the Pace University Drumline Contract. They have appeared on the “Joey Reynolds Show,” played the opening day performance at Red Bull Arena in Newark, NJ and were special guest performers for Jazz at Lincoln Center. They will soon make a cameo appearance in the Michael Keaton movie, “Birdman.”